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Office of Communications » Press/Media Sideline Requests

Press/Media Sideline Requests

Updates to the 2025-2026 protocol will be posted here in late July/Early August. This includes the form link to request media field passes. Please check back soon! 

2026-2026 Press/Media Sideline Requests

 

Mater Dei High School is committed to supporting media coverage of our athletic programs while ensuring a safe and orderly environment for our students, athletes, staff, and fans. All press/media are reminded that the sideline can be dangerous. Mater Dei High School, the Diocese of Orange and the City of Santa Ana are not responsible for any injuries that occur, and members of the press/media do so at their own risk.

 

We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines as we work together to highlight the achievements of our student-athletes within the values and traditions of our Catholic community.

 

 

 

CIF-SS Credential Requirement**
  • All media must hold a current CIF-SS credential which is renewed on an annual basis.
  • If you do not currently have a current CIF-SS credential, you may view the process and apply online at the link below.
  • Credential requests are not guaranteed by CIF and the verification process can take several weeks. Please plan accordingly. 
  • Please direct questions specific to the credentialing process and timeline to Thom Simmons at CIF at (562) 493-9500.

**Out of state/region members of the press/media or other journalists are advised to contact the Executive Director of Communications & Media Relations at [email protected] two weeks in advance of game day. You must provide an equivalent media credential for your state/region.

Sideline Conduct and Safety Policies During the Game

The following policies are designed to protect our student-athletes and coaches, maintaining a secure and distraction-free environment. Failure to comply with these policies could result in personal injury. Additionally, Mater Dei High School reserves the right to remove individuals who violate these policies from the event and/or deny access to future events for the entire media outlet. 

All approved media personnel:

 

  • MUST stay behind slotted line and barriers on sidelines.
  • MAY switch sides only at the end of a quarter/half.
  • MAY NOT be in the team box or huddle during the game.
  • MAY NOT address the players or coaches during the game while on the sidelines.
  • MAY NOT mic up student-athletes.
  • MAY NOT walk behind student-athletes or coaches.
  • MUST have media credentials visible during the game (around your neck). 
Post Game Media Policies
  • Field access for the press box media credentials will ONLY be allowed in the last 5 minutes of the game. At that time, please safely make your way to the south end of the field.
  • Please do not address any questions to players or coaches until AFTER the coach has met with his team directly after the Monarch Pride Drill and Alma Mater (10-minute cool down period).
How to Request a Press/Media Sideline Pass
  • Complete the appropriate request form below and provide a copy of your current CIF-SS credential. (Note each form opens the about one week prior to the game.)
  • Media outlets are limited to TWO members per game.
  • All requests are subject to approval and completion of the request form does not guarantee access to the field during the game.

Press members approved for sideline access will receive final confirmation from the Executive Director of Communication with instructions by 12 noon on game day of that week.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to upholding these guidelines. By following these policies, you help create a safe and supportive environment for our student-athletes and coaches to excel. We appreciate your dedication to capturing the spirit of our athletic events while respecting the integrity of the game and the well-being of our teams.